The history of Clemson University's Tiger and Tiger Cub went on display this week, just in time for Homecoming, thanks to a new book about the mascots by John Seketa.

"Clemson Through the Eyes of the Tiger," is a history of the mascots as told by the dozens of students who have portrayed the orange and black striped characters since the 1950s.

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Seketa signed books Wednesday afternoon at PIP Printing on North Fant Street in Clemson. PIP published the book.

Seketa oversaw the mascot program and was mascot adviser for 26 years for Clemson. The book includes his memories and experiences over the years.

One of the obscure facts found in the book is that Roy Southerland is the oldest living mascot, according to Seketa. He wore the tail in the early '50s, and now lives in Dunnellon, Florida.

It also chronicles some missteps by the Tiger, according to Seketa.

"There's a lot of rules that the mascots broke in the '70s that you don't see today due to sportsmanship," Seketa said.

For example, the mascots used to be on the goal post crossbar at a lot of games. That's against the rules now.

Some of his Tiger and Tiger Cub standout memories include a student named Jay Watson.

He was the Tiger in the '80s and was in his tiger suit during a re-election campaign appearance for Ronald Reagan in Greenville, Seketa recalled. Watson led a chant of "four more years" that was captured by television cameras.

The video that aired was picked up by other stations and broadcast all over the country.

The Tiger's obvious partisan support of Reagan got the mascot in hot water, and forced the university to change its appearance policy for The Tiger and The Cub -- a policy that is still in place today, forbidding the characters from taking part in any political events.

Watson went on to graduate and own his own company, according to Seketa. He is now CEO of Fore Front Network in Austin, Texas.

"There's a lot of stories that your grandparents knew about, who never told your dad, who never told you. So now, you can have a family gathering or go to a tailgate and start reliving the games of the '60s, '70s and '80s.," Seketa said.

Proceeds from the book go to the mascot appearance fund, used for special appearances by the Tiger and The Cub.

Clemson will celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, when the Tigers take on Boston College.